Low cholesterol diet and tips for Abetalipoproteinaemia

Many people are doing everything they can to lower cholesterol levels as much as possible because cholesterol is viewed as "bad". Too low cholesterol levels are not necessarily a good thing and there is reason for caution.

Read more on Home Remedies for Cholesterol

Cholesterol is essential for many normal bodily functions, such as the production of vitamin D, steroid hormones, stress hormones, and bile acids for digestion. It also forms a membrane around all cells and is critical for the regeneration of damaged endothelial cells.

Successful Low Cholesterol Diet and Tips  

VEGETABLES-

This food group is considered as the healthiest among other groups in the food pyramid primarily because they are low in calorie-content. Aside from that, these are also high in dietary fiber and a dietary nutrient that aids not only regulated metabolism but also balances cholesterol levels.

Vegetables are also perfect low cholesterol foods because these are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins such as vitamins C, E and K, vitamin B-complex, and other micronutrients that reduce vitamin deficiency. Aside from lowering high cholesterol levels, other benefits of eating vegetables also include the reduction of heart diseases and cancer as well as high blood pressure.

FRUITS-

Just like vegetables, fruits are also among the top food groups that lower cholesterol because they are very low in calorie content. These also contain large amounts of significant vitamins and nutrients that help prevent of vitamin deficiency as well as other illnesses.

NUTS AND SEEDS-

Since these contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals, nuts and seeds are included among the list of low cholesterol foods. These foods also are also high in dietary fiber that is excellent for great metabolism and low in calorie-content that is effective for weight management.

WHOLE GRAINS -

Whole grains like cereals, oat meal, pasta, and whole wheat breads are rich in dietary fiber but high in energy content. These foods do not contain dietary cholesterol (except for breads which are added with dairy products and sugar) and can also be helpful in maintaining weight.

FISH AND POULTRY-

Chicken, turkey and fish generally have lower cholesterol and saturated fat than pork and beef. Some types of shellfish are also considered to be low cholesterol sources. However, despite being low on cholesterol, a heart healthy diet should still limit the total amount of intake of these protein food sources to 5 ounces per day. It would also help to take in low cholesterol protein sources and meat substitutes such as tofu, beans and dry peas.

SWEETS-

Should you crave for sweets, there are a few options to consider that are low in fat. Low cholesterol foods for dessert include gelatine-based desserts (without the whipped cream), low fat cookies, non-fat yogurt, puddings, and low fat cakes and pastries, among many others. However, try as much as you can to only have occasional treats. Eat them only rarely, especially if you need to work on improving cholesterol levels.

SNACKS-

Not all snacks are generally high in cholesterol, so yes, you can still have a snack and be healthy. However, make sure to stick to snacks low in cholesterol. Dried fruits, bagels, pretzels, crackers, cereals, fresh fruits and raw vegetables are among snacks that are low in fat and cholesterol.